the move, the monkeys, and other movements

We are so sorry for the delay in updating this blog! We have been running ever since we touched down in Durban in September. Life has been a whirlwind – here are a few pics to show you what we’ve been up to.

The last week of September I took the GRE and Jesse took the LSAT in Johannesburg. We had been studying during every free moment after we returned from our honeymoon. We celebrated on the way back to Durban with a quick overnight in the Drakensburg (same area we were engaged). After returning, we worked hard on our applications to Columbia and had them in by the first week of November.

At the end of October Mom and Dad Risner came out for a short visit. It was great to show them the work we’ve been a part of and the city we call home.

Immediately after they left we began the process of moving into our own flat in the Morningside area of Durban. (We were living in Mom and Dad McConnells house while they were in the U.S.) During that move we also helped Mom and Dad packing up their home and placing their things in storage while they remain in the U.S. November and December have been non-stop with the many “settling in” activities!


Check out our lovely new place with an amazing view of the city and ocean:
































Just two weeks before leaving for the holidays Jess and I were able to steal away in the midst of our crazy schedule and drive 2 hours North to St. Lucia and camp out on the beach… With little time to pack it was quite an adventure as we realized the little things we forgot to pack (ahem… like soap). And I had my first true camping experience in South Africa by fighting off monkeys from totally invading our camp (they punched a hole in our tent and stole our bread rolls!).

































In December Jess received a promotion with DRA and is now Senior Researcher – check out what DRA is doing at www.dra.co.za - he is a part of some incredible research projects in development throughout Southern Africa!


December 13th we boarded a plane U.S.-bound and arrived on the 14th into Ft. Meyers Florida for Curtis McConnell (Jess’ brother) and the beautiful Brittany Betzer’s wedding. It was a lovely wedding!


















December 18th we boarded yet another flight - this time to Southern California - to spend time with close friends. We spent a majority of our time with Mike & Faith Beals, close friends of Jess (and me now)! It was an incredible time to just be with friends. We even lucked out and had a perfect day of sailing with Toby & Darci Schriber (former employers of Jess who became lasting friends) and the Beals!

On December 23rd we headed east and made it to Erie in time for Christmas with theMcConnells and Risners. Even the newest McConnell newlyweds and the latest Risner kid (Natalie that’s you!) made it out! It was such a great time with family!

And now that we are back home in Durban… we need a vacation! ☺


HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Latest I CARE Update

I Care is making incredible progress in several areas surrounding street children. One in particular is our Skill Development Training. Many older children (16 years and older) seem to get stuck in shelters or on the streets because of a lack of schooling. We often see the older boys with a Grade 3 education. It seems as if these boys are doomed to beg and live on the streets – but I Care has been working on solutions.

I Care is securing skills training programmes for boys in shelters – normally these trainings last a year and then with these skills the boys are employable. In the last few months I Care has seen an incredible success with four boys. Greystone Shipping and I Care set up a program to teach youth ages 18 and older necessary to become fork-lift drivers, crane drivers and bulk lorry drivers. In just four months these four boys were able to find a place to live on their own with the allowance they received from training, but more than that these boys have done such an outstanding job during their training that they have been offered full time jobs, given Christmas bonuses, and Greystone has asked us to find more boys to train!

I Care is making great connections with other skills development trainings in the hospitality industry, the Department of Forestry and the welfare sector. In addition, we are seeking alternative ways to boost the education of many of these older boys so that they can pursue jobs.

Wedding Donation to Siyakhula Preschool

In September, $1 was donated on behalf of every person that attended our wedding to the Siyakhula Preschool in Waterloo (located just outside of Durban). This school was started through Mission to Southern Africa and A.C.E.’s Fundisa Isizwe programme. $230 went a long way to contribute to much needed supplies for the classroom.